Reactions from across the sports world continue to pour in after the release of video showing Memphis police officers beating Tyre Nichols.
The NFL released a statement on Saturday mourning the tragic death.
“The NFL mourns the tragic and senseless death of Tyre Nichols and we send our condolences to his loved ones and the Memphis community,” the league wrote.
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Police surveillance and body cameras captured officers pepper-spraying, kicking, punching and swinging a baton at Nichols, who was unarmed during the traffic stop. He died three days after the events, on Jan. 10.
Authorities released the footage to the public on Friday evening. The five now-fired officers are facing several charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault stemming from the incident.
TENNESSEE SHERIFF OPENS NEW INVESTIGATION INTO TWO DEPUTIES AFTER TYRE NICHOLS BODYCAM VIDEO RELEASE
The NFL also pledged to “fight for change.”
“We remain deeply committed to combating the injustices and inequities that plague our society and will continue to work with our social justice partners to support our communities and fight for change,” the statement concluded.
The Memphis Grizzlies also spoke out about death of Nichols. Coach Taylor Jenkins spoke before the team’s game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, saying the team had “sat and talked at length multiple times about what’s happened, what’s going to happen.”
“The senseless loss of life for Tyre Nichols has really hit us hard,” Jenkins said. “And it’s been tough being on the road, not being home. And I wish I could extend my arms through this camera right now to the family. They’re going through a lot.”
The Timberwolves held a moment of silence before the game in Nichols’ honor, and LeBron James took to Twitter to offer his thoughts.
Activist, non-profit executive, podcast host, and educator Brittany Packnett Cunningham posted a tweet Friday morning ahead of the police surveillance and body camera footage.
“What’s really clear about some of the reaction to the murder of #TyreNichols is that we’ve failed to fully understand race and it’s construction as a *systemic tool.*
The entire system of policing sees the Black body as a problem. No matter who pulls the trigger,” Cunningham wrote.
LEBRON JAMES, NBA WORLD REACT TO VIDEO OF POLICE BEATING TYRE NICHOLS: ‘WE ARE OUR OWN WORST ENEMY’
On Friday evening, James quote-tweeted it and replied, “TOO FACTUALL!!”
Phoenix Suns guard Chris Paul shared his condolences and called for change.
“Change is needed at all levels and we all need to do our part. We can’t lose our humanity as a society.
To the Nichols’ family and Memphis community, my heart is with you tonight,” Paul wrote on Twitter.
The NBA also released its statement shortly after the video of Nichols’ death was released.
“The images of Tyre Nichols’ life needlessly cut short are horrifying,” the league said. “While there have been steps toward accountability in this instance, the NBA family remains committed to partnering with advocates, policymakers and law enforcement to work toward solutions to the issues we continue to face.”
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